Root (stem) Words:Tract, struct, flect or flex

Root or stems are a basic word part that gives a word most of its meaning. Many English words have roots from Latin, a language of the ancient Romans. For example, port is used to form the word portable. You know “able” means that you can do something. Well, port means “to carry.” So portable means able to be carried.

Words Are Power, and that’s the truth. Prefixes, Suffixes and they all got roots!

Click on the word “Rap” above to play the song.

MEANS TO BUILD They constructed a large building on the corner.

(con means together) That structure is tall. My dad works in construction. A tornado creates destruction. (de means down) The instructor helped us learn about rock

climbing. This power point is instructive! The obstruction was blocking the path. (ob

means against) The superstructure stood above everything else

in the city. (super means over)

MEANS TO PULL OR DRAW SOMETHING TOWARD YOU.

The farmer used the tractor to pull the fallen tree. The attractiveness of the scenery drew me to the

shore. Vanilla extract is used in making desserts. (ex

means out) The big mud tires give me extra traction! I will retract the cable. (re means again) I will create a contract. (con means together) You distract him while I hide!! (dis means away) Please subtract those decimals. (sub means down)

Use the link above to practice the root

(or stem) words struct and tract. Click on the word

“practice” to start.

MEANS TO BEND A mirror can deflect the sun’s rays. (de means

down) Jordyn Wieber is very flexible. The flexor muscle helps us bend. Please genuflect when you enter. The inflection of his voice is getting deeper. I have reflexes like a cat! Reflect before you act. (Mulan) “If you do not stretch, you will become

inflexible,” said Coach Jones.

Use the link above to practice the root

(or stem) words flex or flect Click on the word “practice” to

start.